Tanin Don
Tanin Don, Japanese Beef and Egg Bowl Recipe - Comforting Japanese Rice Bowl
Tanin Don (他人丼) is a comforting Japanese rice bowl that combines savory beef (or pork) and eggs simmered in a flavorful broth.
Its name, "Tanin," means "stranger" or in Japanese, contrasting with the famous Oyako Don (親子丼), which symbolizes the "parent and child" relationship between chicken and egg. In Tanin Don, the beef (or pork) and eggs symbolize an unrelated pairing, creating a delicious harmony of flavors.
This recipe was inspired by my attempt to use leftover Ozoni soup after New Year's celebrations. While Ozoni soup often finds its way into udon dishes for a quick lunch for myself, this time, I discovered it also makes an excellent base for Tanin Don, especially when combined with leftover uncooked Sukiyaki beef. Please note my Ozoni soup includes chicken, so if you use this Ozoni soup base, it will turn out to be a semi-Tanin don. (Ozoni soup recipe also listed below)
Here is the original version of Tanin Don rice dish recipe - let’s make this for busy weekdays or a quick, satisfying lunch!
RECIPE
Servings: 2-3
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 onion
2 carrots
1/2 lb sukiyaki beef (thinly sliced chuck or ribeye)
3 eggs
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup sake
1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tbsp dashi powder (Japanese fish broth)
Chopped scallions
Cooked rice
If using Ozoni soup leftover like I did, use 2 cups of the soup base.
Recipe of Ozoni Soup: (7-8 servings)
Add 6 cups of water and 2 pcs kombu to a pot, bring to a boil
Remove the kombu, add 2 packs of katsuobushi, and simmer for a few mins
Strain out the katsuobushi, then add 8 oz of cut chicken thighs
Add 2 tbsp each of sake and soy sauce, 1 tbsp of mirin, and a pinch of salt
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Thinly slice the onion and carrots.
Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Simmer the Vegetables:
In a pan, add sake, mirin, soy sauce, sugar, dashi powder, and water. Bring it to a boil, then add the sliced onion and carrots. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Cook the Beef:
Add the beef to the simmering broth. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the Eggs:
Pour two-thirds of the beaten eggs into the pan. Cover and cook for about 30 seconds on the medium heat. Pour in the remaining egg mixture, turn off the heat, and let it sit with the lid on for another minute to gently finish cooking.
Assemble the Donburi:
Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Carefully spoon the beef, egg, and vegetable mixture over the rice. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Popular Japanese Rice Bowl Dishes:
Donburi (丼), or Japanese rice bowls, have been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries. Each variety reflects the diverse ingredients and regional flavors of Japan.
Tanin Don’s origins trace back to the evolution of Oyako Don (recipe here) in the late 19th century. As Japanese cuisine became more diverse, variations using beef or pork instead of chicken emerged, giving rise to Tanin Don. Its simplicity and versatility have made it a beloved home-cooked dish across Japan.
Here are other Japanese rice bowl dishes:
Gyudon (recipe here)
A classic comfort food in Japan, Gyudon features thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, served over steamed rice. Often topped with a raw or soft-boiled egg, it’s a hearty and quick meal loved by all ages.
Katsudon (I’ve made Ankake-version - recipe here)
Katsudon is a satisfying rice bowl topped with breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu) simmered with egg, onion, and a savory dashi-based sauce. The name combines "katsu" (cutlet) and "don" (bowl), making it a popular choice for those needing a hearty, flavorful dish.
Unadon
Unadon is a luxurious rice bowl featuring grilled eel glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce (unagi no tare) and served over hot rice. The smoky, umami-rich flavors make it a special treat, often enjoyed during the summer to boost stamina.
Tanin Don is a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy schedules. Its balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, paired with the comforting warmth of rice, makes it an ideal dish for any time of the year.
Enjoy this delicious taste of Japan in your own kitchen, and let me know how it turned out!
